Just as I was thinking the closer position was leveling out and stabilizing, we get hit with 2 injuries and a job demotion over the past 2 days. The big one would be Zach Britton being placed back on the DL and expected to miss upwards of 2 full months. It did feel like the Orioles and Britton himself rushed his return a little bit, which is unfortunate for everyone because they didn't need to. Brad Brach has filled in admirably for Britton and there's no reason to think he can't be a legitimate RP1 for the next 2 months. Mark Melancon was also placed on the DL with a mild right pronator strain, AKA an elbow injury. While elbow injuries aren't ideal for pitchers (duh), it is only mild and Melancon has a fairly clean health history. Derek Law will fill in for him and should be worth the waiver add as a useful source of saves over the next few weeks. And finally, Justin Wilson finally is getting his chance to close out games, taken over for Francisco Rodriguez in Detroit (finally). He's been awesome this season, and I don't see why that can't continue in the 9th inning of games going forward.
TIER 1: Nothing Compares 2 U
1. Kenley Jansen (Los Angeles Dodgers)—Pedro Baez, Grant Dayton
2. Aroldis Chapman (New York Yankees)—Dellin Betances, Tyler Clippard
Hey Rick, You think Bud Norris holds onto the closer job when Cam and/or Street return? He’s been doing as good a job as either of them. Wondering if “ain’t broke don’t fix” will apply. Also, do you think K-Rod has a legit shot to retake the job or is he drop-pable?
I have a worrisome gut feeling Scioscia will turn to Street when he returns. I think Bedrosian is still ahead of Norris too.
I’d drop K-Rod in standard 12 teamers. He just doesn’t have legitimate stuff anymore.
Is Neris worth grabbing off waivers and keep benched until he shows consistency? Or is his role still up in the air?
I would because of his upside. But don’t go dropping anyone of value for him, given the volatility of that spot in Philly right now.
Can i safely drop Britton now if I have Brach? DL spots are already filled for the foreseeable future, as is with most teams